Jackson airport expansion approved

Jackson County commissioners approved a plan Monday to expand the county's airport by 52 acres so airport managers will be able to add a second taxiway.

Commissioners agreed to pay $3 million for the land, which is to the west of the airport's current site off Georgia Highway 82.

Commissioners will use money from the county's $46 million economic development bond issue to help pay for the land.

The Federal Aviation Administration will reimburse the county $2.85 million, the state Department of Transportation is expected to kick in $75,000, and the county will take $75,000 from the 2009 operating budget, said county Finance Director John Hulsey.

The taxiway is part of a five-year, $15 million capital improvement campaign at the airport, which officials say will help attract and retain business and industry.

Most of the projects are geared toward making the airport more accessible to corporate jets and generating revenue from hanger rental.

The long-term plan includes a 1,000-foot runway extension, which already is in progress, and the addition of new hangers, industrial buildings and a new terminal building.

The new westside taxiway will allow incoming planes to reach hangers on the western side of the runway without crossing the runway, something Airport Manager Bob Stapleton called a crucial safety improvement.

"This will allow aircraft that land here to taxi back to the ramp on the west side of the runway without crossing the runway," Stapleton said. "That's called a runway incursion, and the FAA really frowns upon it. It's a serious safety risk."

Construction on the taxiway probably won't start until next year, Stapleton said.